Andrea

Sandra,



I teach early childhood music ed, and voice. I also play a little piano
(mother taught piano). I have been brought up in a very traditional
classical method of instruction and find that it has a lot of limits (I put
this lightly!). My experience with the kids is that if music is played, it
will be enjoyed, and spark an interest. Play music from every culture,
every genre, every tempo etc.But most of all, enjoy it by moving to it,
getting some rhythm instruments (no knowledge necessary, really) and playing
along, and incorporating it into family events etc.



Here is a link to a wonderful author of children's improvisation books. The
only book I have used is the one for children on the piano. The concept is
that the child can make wonderful improvised music as a means to tell a
story, or create a mood. The book is very easy to follow, and the child
doesn't have to have any piano training what-so-ever. It is based on the
idea that music is a creative act which anyone can perform. This is very
different from the view that music cannot be played until you have "learned"
how to read music, or have been given the proper training. I have used this
with my students, and they LOVE it!



http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/pages.html?cart=334763540414860236
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_artbrowseresults.html%26style%3Dartist%26artist%3DAlice%2520Kay%2520Kanack&
s=pages-www.google.com/search&e=/sheetmusic/artist/K/Alice_Kay_Kanack.html&t
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nack.html&t=&k=&r=wwws-err5



I also use drums in my classes. Drums were probably the first instrument
man used, using bones and skulls from dead mammals. There are good books on
how to use a simple hand drum, and it is quite easy for a non-musician to
learn to play. People who feel comfortable on a drum have many resources to
play these days. Drum circles are more common now than ever, and students
who have had teachers introduce them to drumming have thanked them immensely
for giving them something that can help them connect not only to music, but
to community, and spirituality. Drumming is something that is done all over
the world, in every culture, and is closely tied to almost every religious
tradition. Here is a link to a few drumming resources:



http://www.sagemandrums.com/

http://www.djemberhythms.com/

http://www.africantreasures.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=Book0004





I am getting ready to perform in a St. Patrick's day gig. I usually sing
and play spoons. My girlfriend taught me how to play the spoons, and it is
great fun. She learned as a child growing up in an Irish household where all
the kids learned to play them (at their wedding, her sister brought a huge
bag, full of spoons, and everyone had so much fun!). This year, I have been
asked to pick up the Bohdrun (Irish drum). I didn't realize how fun it
would be! I am using a video to learn, and it is working well. But what is
more fun, is that my son is now playing along with me. He tends to want to
keep the video on long after I am done. People often assume that my son
will become a musician since both his parents are. I don't agree. But I
know that he really enjoys listening to it and will often grab an egg shaker
or drum when we are playing, and I see how happy he is when he does!



Andrea



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